On May 29, 2025, the entertainment world was rocked by explosive rumors that Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star set to play Eva Perón in the West End revival of Evita, has been blacklisted by Hollywood studios following a reported meltdown during rehearsals. The news, which first broke through a series of YouTube videos with titles like JUST IN: Rachel Zegler BLACKLISTED by Hollywood Studios After Evita MELTDOWN! and Rachel Zegler BANNED From Hollywood Projects After Explosive Evita Breakdown!, has sent shockwaves through the industry, raising questions about Zegler’s future, the validity of the claims, and the intense scrutiny faced by young stars in the spotlight.

Rachel Zegler’s casting in Evita was announced in March 2025, marking her West End debut in a production directed by Jamie Lloyd at the London Palladium, as reported by Vulture. The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical, set to run from June 14 to September 6, promised a fresh take on the story of Eva Perón, with Zegler joined by Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che and James Olivas as Juan Perón, according to WhatsOnStage. Zegler, who had previously starred in West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and a record-breaking Broadway run in Romeo + Juliet, was hailed as a rising star. Lloyd praised her “incredible passion” for the project, noting that she would “blow the roof off the London Palladium.” Zegler herself shared a personal connection to the musical, saying she used to sing “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” with her father as a child.

However, Zegler’s journey to the Palladium stage has been fraught with challenges. Her press tour for Disney’s live-action Snow White, released in March 2025, was marred by controversy after she called the 1937 original “extremely dated” in a 2022 Extra TV interview, as cited by the Daily Mail. The film, which replaced the seven dwarves with “magical creatures” to avoid stereotypes, was branded “woke” by some fans, and its poor box office performance—resulting in a reported $100 million loss for Disney, according to Cosmic Book News—further tarnished Zegler’s reputation. Her comments on political issues, including Palestine and criticism of President Trump, as noted by Newsweek, also drew backlash, with some labeling her as difficult to work with.

The Evita production added another layer of pressure. Zegler’s scheduled absences from four performances during the 12-week run, as mentioned in a Reddit thread, had already sparked criticism among fans, who questioned her commitment. Reports of rehearsal drama began circulating in early May, with YouTube videos like Evita Rehearsal ERUPTS — Rachel Zegler EXPOSED for Diva Meltdown! claiming she clashed with the cast and crew. These rumors reached a fever pitch on May 17, when videos such as LEAKED FOOTAGE: Rachel Zegler DRAGGED Out By Security Over Evita Rehearsal Drama! alleged that Zegler was escorted off the set after a heated confrontation.

According to these sources, the meltdown occurred during a rehearsal on May 16, when Zegler reportedly arrived unannounced to observe a session she wasn’t scheduled for. The rehearsal focused on the alternate cast, including Bella Brown, who plays The Mistress and covers for Zegler as Eva during her absences. Sources claim Zegler’s presence disrupted the session, leading to a tense exchange with Brown and the stage manager. The situation allegedly escalated when Zegler refused to leave, prompting security to intervene. YouTube channels further claimed that Zegler’s behavior was labeled a “diva meltdown,” with one video, Rachel Zegler Called A NIGHTMARE By Evita Director – Private Notes LEAKED!, alleging that Jamie Lloyd had privately called her “a nightmare” to work with.

The fallout was swift. On May 18, videos like Rachel Zegler BLACKLISTED by Hollywood Studios After Evita MELTDOWN! began circulating, claiming that major studios, including Lionsgate, Universal, Sony Pictures, and Warner Brothers, had quietly distanced themselves from Zegler, effectively blacklisting her from future projects. Some reports even suggested that Evita producers were suing her for breach of contract, as seen in a video titled Rachel Zegler SUED By Evita Producers – Contract BREACH Revealed! These claims painted a dire picture, suggesting that Zegler’s career was in jeopardy just as she was poised to take on one of the most iconic roles in musical theater.

However, a closer examination of these reports reveals significant gaps and inconsistencies. The YouTube videos rely heavily on anonymous “insider” sources and lack verifiable evidence, such as the alleged leaked footage of Zegler being escorted out, which has not been independently confirmed. Official sources, like Playbill and WhatsOnStage, have continued to promote Zegler as the lead in Evita, with rehearsal photos released on May 20 showing her working alongside Rodriguez. Jamie Lloyd has publicly supported her, and there has been no official statement from the Evita team or any studio confirming a blacklist or lawsuit. The narrative of Zegler being “dragged out” or “banned” appears to be sensationalized, likely amplified by her existing controversies and the public’s polarized perception of her.

Zegler’s career has been a lightning rod for criticism since her breakout role in West Side Story. Her Snow White comments, combined with her outspoken views on social issues, have made her a target for backlash, as noted in a 2023 Sportskeeda article that speculated about a Hollywood blacklist following her absence from the 2023 Oscars party. While these earlier rumors were unsubstantiated—she went on to star in The Hunger Games prequel and Romeo + Juliet—they highlight a pattern of scrutiny that has followed her. The Evita meltdown narrative seems to fit into this broader storyline, with some fans and media outlets quick to label her as difficult, despite a lack of concrete evidence.

The pressure on Zegler is undeniable. At 24, she’s navigating a high-stakes role in Evita while facing the fallout from Snow White’s failure, which Cosmic Book News reported left rows of seats unsold for her Evita run, a stark contrast to the initial hype. Her scheduled absences, likely due to other commitments or the need for rest given the grueling eight-performance-a-week schedule, have been misinterpreted by some as a lack of dedication. The rehearsal incident, if it occurred, may have been a misunderstanding blown out of proportion—Zegler’s desire to observe the alternate cast could stem from a genuine commitment to the production, not a “diva” attitude.

The blacklist rumors, while alarming, are likely exaggerated. Hollywood blacklists are rare and typically require significant, documented misconduct, such as criminal behavior or major financial losses directly attributable to an individual. Zegler’s Snow White controversy, while damaging, hasn’t been linked to any studio-wide ban, and her Evita role remains intact as of May 29, 2025. The YouTube claims of studios like Lionsgate and Universal dropping her lack corroboration from trade publications like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter, which would typically report such a significant development. Instead, these rumors seem to feed into a narrative of Zegler as a controversial figure, amplified by clickbait content creators.

For Zegler, the past few weeks have been a trial by fire. On May 24, she posted on Instagram, “Working hard to make you all proud. I’m sorry if I’ve let anyone down,” a message some interpreted as a response to the drama, though she disabled comments to avoid further backlash. The Evita production has also faced challenges, with fans demanding Zegler’s removal after a ticketing disaster in April, as reported in a YouTube video titled Fans DEMAND Rachel Zegler Be FIRED from Evita After Ticket Disaster!? The combination of these incidents has created a perfect storm, testing Zegler’s resilience as she prepares for the June 14 premiere.

Despite the controversy, Zegler’s talent remains undeniable. Her Broadway success in Romeo + Juliet, which drew the youngest ticket-buying audience in history, and her vocal prowess in early Evita rehearsal clips suggest she has the potential to deliver a standout performance as Eva Perón. The Evita team’s continued support, coupled with the lack of official confirmation of a blacklist, indicates that Zegler’s career is far from over. However, this incident underscores the immense pressure young stars, particularly women of color, face in an industry that often amplifies their missteps while overlooking their achievements.

As Evita approaches its opening night, the spotlight on Zegler will be brighter than ever. If she can rise above the drama and deliver a performance that captivates audiences, she may yet silence her critics. For now, the rumors of a Hollywood blacklist remain just that—rumors, fueled by speculation and sensationalism. But in an industry where perception can shape reality, Zegler’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether this Evita meltdown becomes a footnote in her career or a defining moment.